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PERSEVERANCE LEADS

Immokalee teen to success, bright future

reams usually do “Tutor Corps
not materialize did not only give
Dwithout a few me the opportunity
failures along the way. That helps create to go to college, but it also gave me
perspective. the best tools for life,” Hiram said. “It
“I know what it is like to lose,” admits gave me hope, love and guidance.”
Hiram Edgar Martinez-Santos, a senior at Tutor Corps students are surrounded
by Dawn Montecalvo Immokalee High School. “I know what it by peers, staff members and mentors who
is like to hope and dream and not reach the believe in them. Hiram also believes in himself,
level you wish for; however, I also know that perseverance is key.” one of the reasons that Guadalupe Center staff selected him
Hiram recalls being rejected from a competitive college- as the keynote speaker at Guadalupe Galaxy, the nonprofit's
preparatory program at age 12 because he did not meet the signature fundraising event held in January at The Ritz-
minimum requirements. It was a life-changing moment. Carlton Golf Resort.
“I was very upset, but mostly embarrassed because I “Hiram’s message resonates with individuals from
felt like I had failed my mom who was with me during all walks of life,” said Daniel Martinez, Tutor
that moment,” he said. “That was the day I lost hope Corps high school director at Guadalupe Center.
because I felt as if I lost any chance to achieve my “Patrons at Guadalupe Galaxy, whether they
dream of going to college. I tried to convince were retired corporate executives, teachers or
myself that college was not the correct path business owners, all had to work hard to reach
for me. However, deep down I knew that I felt their goals while recognizing they had a little
shame.” help along the way.”
He also talked to his father, who issued this Later that night, those generous patrons
poignant advice: “In life, there will always be provided support that will enable the next
setbacks that make you feel like you cannot generation of leaders to achieve their dreams.
accomplish anything, but that is only true when The gala raised more than $1.2 million
we decide to give up... so never give up.” to support Guadalupe Center’s mission of
Rather than accept defeat, Hiram worked breaking the cycle of poverty through education
harder. He studied more. He got more involved at for the children of Immokalee.
school. He set goals. He focused more on his future. Today, Hiram isn’t just succeeding – he’s
Once in high school, Hiram applied for, and was thriving. His dream is to become a wildlife biologist,
accepted into, Guadalupe Center’s college-preparatory Tutor and he trimmed his postsecondary options to four
Corps Program. The program provides students with college and institutions: North Central College, Roberts Wesleyan College,
career readiness, ACT and SAT test prep, mentorships, financial St. John’s University and Wartburg College. He has been
literacy and scholarship assistance, as well as wages for tutoring accepted into all four and qualified for sizable scholarship
younger students. packages thanks to Guadalupe Center’s partnerships with each
college.
When he steps foot onto campus in August, Hiram will be
the first person in his family to attend college. He often thinks
about Albert Einstein’s famous quote: “Genius is 1% talent and
99% hard work.”
“My perception of life has changed as I have aged. All my
achievements, losses and failures taught me that nothing is
easy in life and if you want something, go work for it,” Hiram
said. “I know that I will succeed, but more importantly, I know
when I fail, I will get back up and persevere.”

Dawn Montecalvo is president of Guadalupe Center in
Immokalee. To learn how to support students like Hiram, please
visit GuadalupeCenter.org/how-to-give or call 239-657-7711.

Life in Naples | April 2022 61